Have you ever heard of a unique and welcoming space called The Dugout? Located in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside (DTES), The Dugout has long been a cornerstone for community, offering warmth, rest, and a sense of connection to those navigating daily life on the streets. Originally founded as a daytime “living room” for people staying in overnight shelters, The Dugout has evolved into a hub for conversation, coffee, nourishment, and care. Now located at a temporary space on East Hastings, it continues to serve as a vital gathering point for many unsheltered individuals. On June 14, 2025, our Volunteer Ambassadors team returned to The Dugout to serve our DTES neighbours with compassion and respect. Armed with enough supplies to make over 100 sandwiches, we got to work preparing hearty meals filled with smoked Black Forest ham, real mayonnaise, Swiss cheese, spinach, and a side of grape tomatoes. Alongside the sandwich assembly line, other volunteers poured freshly brewed coffee and served additional snacks like pie, rice crackers, and bagels. But beyond the food and service, what made this day truly meaningful were the conversations, shared stories, and quiet moments of connection. Many volunteers spoke of the insight they gained—learning firsthand about the lived experiences of residents and reflecting on their own privilege. The visit served as a powerful reminder of our shared humanity and the importance of creating spaces that foster dignity, agency, and inclusion. In keeping with this trauma-informed, community care approach, our team made a conscious choice not to take photos of any individuals receiving food or using the space. We believe strongly in respecting the dignity and privacy of those we serve as much as possible, and our team took that responsibility to heart. At the end of the morning, many of our Volunteer Ambassadors expressed a desire to return soon. It was a day of listening, learning, and offering support—not just through food, but through presence and empathy. A heartfelt thank you to The Dugout’s team—volunteers Rita, Brad, and Lucas, and staff members Peter and Robert—for welcoming us and guiding our efforts. Your wisdom and care leave a lasting impression each time we visit! Want to volunteer with purpose? Join our Volunteer Ambassadors program today and support grassroots organizations that make a tangible difference in our local communities.

On June 7, 2025, Captain Scott Legacy Society’s Volunteer Ambassadors returned to the Greater Vancouver Food Bank (GVFB) Burnaby distribution centre—this time with even more excitement than usual. Why? June marked the launch of a new, inclusive policy at GVFB: the minimum volunteer age for food distribution was lowered to 15. This change opened the door for younger youth to contribute meaningfully in a guided, supervised setting—and they showed up with enthusiasm. The response to this opportunity was overwhelming. Our Volunteer Ambassadors event received so much interest from youth and families eager to get involved that we had to start a waitlist for this day! It was inspiring to see how many young people were ready to step up and support food access in their community. As always, the GVFB’s Burnaby location was alive with purposeful energy. Our volunteers jumped right into action, working directly with clients and GVFB staff to create a positive, dignified experience for all who visited. Volunteers took on key frontline roles, including: Setting up food stations and sorting fresh donations Distributing items while following the day’s menu and allotment guidelines Assisting clients with respect and care throughout their visit Managing recycling, compost, and site cleanliness Providing directions and support in the parking lot Wrapping up operations with takedown and cleanup For many of our younger volunteers, this was a first-time experience engaging with frontline community service—and they rose to the occasion. The day sparked important conversations about empathy, equity, and the value of consistent, hands-on support. This policy change by the Greater Vancouver Food Bank is a win for youth engagement and community impact. Not only does it broaden access to meaningful volunteer experiences, but it also gives young people a chance to build real-world skills, connect with others, and contribute to an essential community cause. It was a win-win for everyone involved. Thank you to the GVFB for welcoming our volunteers and for making it possible for youth to engage in service with structure, safety, and heart. Want to volunteer with us? Join our Volunteer Ambassadors program and help create lasting impact across Metro Vancouver. However old you are, there’s a place for you here!

On June 5th, 2025, volunteers from our Volunteer Ambassadors Program spent the evening at the Greater Vancouver Food Bank (GVFB) warehouse in Burnaby. This visit brought together a vibrant mix of high school students, post-secondary business students, and friends of volunteers — showcasing the inclusive and spontaneous spirit of our casual and flexible volunteer model. By supporting the GVFB, our volunteers help ensure that nutritious food reaches local families, seniors, and individuals in need. This seasonal produce packing session played a key role in preparing fresh donations for distribution to community organizations that provide food hampers and essential support services. Working side-by-side, our team helped sort and package pounds and pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables including apples, bananas, cucumbers, grapes, and potatoes. Volunteers quality-checked produce, repacked bulk items into distribution boxes, and kept things moving to the beat of a well-curated playlist (featuring Rihanna, Tyler the Creator, and Taylor Swift!). Volunteer tasks included: Sorting produce from large bulk bins into individual boxes Checking for spoilage and using ReFeed bins for compostables Palletizing completed boxes for efficient distribution Supporting food bank staff with general warehouse organization It was a fantastic blend of physical activity, attention to detail, and teamwork — plus plenty of good vibes and new friendships along the way. If you're looking for more Greater Vancouver Food Bank volunteer visits, We return to their organization monthly (or more!), and we'd love to have you join us. They are amazing at providing: Youth volunteer opportunities in Burnaby or Vancouver (ages 15+) Casual, one-time group volunteering for friends, students, or coworkers High-impact ways to give back without a long-term commitment Follow us on Instagram or sign up for the Volunteer Ambassadors Program to be notified about the next time we’re there!

On May 31, 2025, our strong-willed Volunteer Ambassadors braved the rain to support a major clean-up effort at the Brunette River Conservation Area in Burnaby, BC. This ongoing restoration project—led by community leader Carl Ronka, and his organization Web of Life—aims to rehabilitate the area north of the Brunette River, with support from partners like Captain Scott Legacy Society, the Lower Mainland Green Team, Metro Vancouver, and others. Despite the heavy downpour, our volunteers showed incredible dedication. Spirits stayed high even as safety concerns required the event to end early. After 90 minutes of hard work in wet conditions, the connecting path between the upper and lower forest became dangerously slippery with rocks and debris. Still, one volunteer shared they wished they could have finished the clean-up in one go! Creative Cleanup Solutions—And a Flying Mattress The highlight of the day? Our team’s ingenuity. To move collected trash from the steep upper forest to the lower trail for pick-up, volunteers used gravity to their advantage, launching and tossing bags of garbage—and even a discarded mattress—down the hill’s edge to the side of a trail so that it would be at a pick up point for Metro Vancouver. We made sure this was done in a safe way and that trail users would not be affected by our work, but we have to say that it was oddly satisfying and effective! The team formed a massive pile of waste at the side of the trail for proper disposal, thanks to hauling support from staff at Metro Vancouver. Much of the garbage came from abandoned encampments—some of which had been visible on satellite images dating back to 2008, spotted by Carl from Web of Life. Part of a Larger Legacy This clean-up effort continues a long-standing legacy of restoration in the area. Decades ago, the Sapperton Fish and Game Club removed so much trash from the Brunette River itself that salmon eventually returned to waters once declared “dead.” Today, other groups continue the work by removing invasive species and replanting native trees and shrubs on the south side of the river. While this site still needs attention, progress is well underway—and every volunteer hour brings us closer to a fully restored habitat. 💪 Huge thanks to our Volunteer Ambassadors, Web of Life, Metro Vancouver, and everyone who contributed to this impactful effort! 🌿 Want to get involved? Join our Volunteer Ambassadors program today and help bring life back to BC’s green spaces. Most of the areas we’ve cleaned have remained clear thanks to ongoing community stewardship!

On May 24, 2025, more than 20 enthusiastic volunteers gathered for a forest clean-up just south of Deer Lake Park in Burnaby, BC. Organized by Captain Scott Legacy Society in partnership with community group Web of Life and with support from the City of Burnaby, the event was part of our ongoing mission to restore, protect, and preserve local green spaces through hands-on volunteer action. People don’t always realize how many natural areas—especially those tucked away from urban development—are blanketed with hidden garbage. It takes community partnerships and dedicated, community-minded nature stewards to create meaningful change. Under a bright, summery sky, volunteers braved thick clouds of floating cottonwood fluff—looking like snow in May—and the challenge of digging up trash that had nearly decomposed into the forest floor. Spirits were high, and teamwork carried us through! In just 90 minutes, our dedicated crew removed over 300 pounds of waste from two forested sites. Dozens of contractor garbage bags were filled, along with several discarded suitcases repurposed as makeshift bins. The trash was collected at a designated roadside location for easy pick-up and proper disposal by City of Burnaby staff. This clean-up effort not only helped restore the ecological health of a beloved forested park, but also demonstrated the power of collective action and community collaboration. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who came out to lend a hand! 🌿 Want to take part in events like this? Join our Volunteer Ambassadors program today and be part of the change.

On May 22, 2025, volunteers from our Volunteer Ambassadors Program headed to the Greater Vancouver Food Bank (GVFB) warehouse in Burnaby for our very first produce sorting and packing session. Our volunteers got hands-on with seasonal fruits and vegetables, helping prepare fresh food for families and individuals across the Lower Mainland. This seasonal produce packing session played a crucial role in getting fresh, nutritious food out the door to community organizations that provide food hampers and meal programs. Our volunteers were instrumental in: Sorting produce from bulk bins into distribution-sized boxes Quality-checking apples, bananas, cucumbers, grapes, and potatoes Using ReFeed bins to responsibly discard any spoiled items Palletizing boxes for delivery and supporting warehouse operations While the work was physically active, it was also incredibly rewarding. Our volunteers learned about food insecurity, sustainable food practices, and how food banks operate behind the scenes — all while working together in a fun, collaborative setting. This first session set the tone for what’s become one of our most popular and accessible volunteering opportunities. Whether volunteers were new to the food bank or to volunteering entirely, everyone left feeling connected, useful, and ready to return. If you're looking for: Youth volunteer opportunities in Burnaby or Vancouver (ages 15+) Casual, one-time group volunteering for friends, students, or coworkers High-impact ways to give back without a long-term commitment— volunteering at the Greater Vancouver Food Bank with our Volunteer Ambassadors is for you! With this opportunity, there is: 📦 No experience needed 🤝 Team-focused and welcoming environment 🕒 Just a few hours = real community impact We return to the Greater Vancouver Food Bank monthly (or more!), and we'd love to have you join us. Follow us on Instagram or sign up for the Volunteer Ambassadors Program to hear about upcoming dates.

On May 17, 2025, volunteers from our Volunteer Ambassadors Program donated blood at Canadian Blood Services in Vancouver. Donating blood is one of the most direct, powerful, and lifesaving ways we can give back to our community. This blood drive held even greater meaning following the Lapu Lapu Day Block Tragedy on April 26, 2025 a heartbreaking event that led to multiple hospitalizations and rippled through our local Filipino and broader Vancouver communities. In the days immediately after, local residents stepped up in incredible numbers to donate blood, quickly filling appointment slots at donation centres across the city. But while urgent surges generate an initial influx of donors, the need for blood doesn’t stop after the headlines fade. Donation rates often decline just weeks later—right when hospitals still rely on steady supply. Thankfully, our team had already been planning a group blood drive, and by holding it a few weeks after the tragedy, we were able to contribute to sustaining that crucial flow of donations. While volunteering often looks like packing produce, cleaning parks, or helping at events, donating blood is just as essential. Each unit of donated blood can save up to three lives, and with hospitals in constant need, it’s a simple act with a truly lifesaving impact. For many of our volunteers, this was not their first donation—and for others, it was. But no one went alone. Through our blood drives, we create a supportive, team-based experience that helps even first-time donors feel confident and cared for. Join our Volunteer Ambassadors program and check out our upcoming events that do good — we’d love to have you with us!

Almost immediately after the Grand Volunteer Celebration ended on May 3rd, Captain Scott Legacy Society’s Volunteer Ambassadors stepped into action at the Greater Vancouver Food Bank (GVFB) Burnaby distribution centre to support food access for individuals and families facing food insecurity on May 10th, 2025. New and old volunteers alike came together to make a difference to end food insecurity. The GVFB's Burnaby hub is a bustling site of compassion and coordination. Our volunteers joined the front line of food distribution, working directly with clients to help ensure a smooth, respectful, and welcoming experience for all who came through the doors. From the moment the site opened, our Volunteer Ambassadors supported a wide range of tasks, including: Setting up food stations and organizing fresh donations Distributing food according to established menu items and allotments Ensuring smooth client flow and offering friendly, respectful interactions Keeping the space clean, safe, and welcoming by sweeping, restocking, and managing recycling and compost Monitoring the parking lot and guiding vehicles Taking part in end-of-day cleanup and shutdown It was a busy, hands-on morning filled with teamwork, quick thinking, and heartfelt service. For some volunteers, this was their first experience in a food distribution environment; for others, it was a meaningful return to community-based service. Either way, the day offered something deeper than just logistics. It was an opportunity to see the impact of frontline support in real time. Want to make a direct impact in your community? Join our Volunteer Ambassadors program and take part in hands-on volunteer initiatives like this one across Metro Vancouver.

On May 3, we turned the Scotiabank Theatre in Downtown Vancouver into a full-on celebration. It was a morning filled with music, laughter, amazing food, and most of all, the people who give their time and heart to make our communities better. Volunteers from all over the Lower Mainland showed up, and the energy in the room was something you could feel the moment you walked in. Things kicked off at 10 in the morning with a warm welcome from our incredible Emcee Stephanie Bote. She lit up the room and had everyone smiling within seconds. Right after that, DJ Javo brought the music. His live set set the tone for the day and got the crowd moving. People were dancing, catching up with old friends, and meeting new ones. It felt more like a party than a morning event. Our tabling area was packed with amazing local organizations, each one sharing what they do and how others can get involved. We were so lucky to have Writers’ Exchange, SUCCESS Youth Leadership Millennium and Community Leadership Initiative Program, Moving Forward Family Services, H R MacMillan Space Centre, Canadian Blood Services, Chinese Community Policing Centre, Employ to Empower, Growing Chefs, and Women Transforming Cities with us. The connections made in that room were real and meaningful. And then came the food. We treated every attendee to a full catered spread from Flavours of Hope, an organization that supports newcomer women building their food businesses. Guests got to try delicious dishes from Mis Cazuelas, Fariya Bakery, and Darna Moroccan Foods. There were so many happy faces, and the food was a highlight for a lot of people. As the crowd enjoyed their meals, the one and only Mako Fujimoto took the stage. She performed a few retro Japanese songs that stopped people in their tracks. Her voice was beautiful, and it brought something really special to the celebration. Before we wrapped up, we gave away some awesome raffle prizes, thanks to our generous donors. Winners were called up to cheers and clapping, and it felt like the perfect way to close out the morning. But we were not done yet. After the main event, we also had a private screening of the movie Thunderbolts. Popcorn and good company made it the perfect way to wind down! Huge shoutout to everyone who made this day happen. Stephanie Bote, you were unforgettable. Thank you to Sherpa Group for helping everything run smoothly. Thank you to Aflak Media for capturing the day with photos and video, Evolve Events for the photo booth and VR experiences, and La Social Box for their fun networking games. We are beyond grateful to our volunteers, our tabling partners, and our venue managers Dominic and Helen for all their support. And of course, to every single person who showed up. You made the day what it was. It was loud, joyful, and full of heart. We cannot wait to do it again next year! To view our full photo album, visit our Facebook album here!

From March 22 to May 3, we set out on a mission to make a difference — and thanks to our amazing volunteers and partners, the 2025 Community Care Adventure was a true success. Over six weeks, we came together across the Lower Mainland to support causes close to our hearts. From packing meals and care packages to cleaning up parks and sharing kindness, every event showed how powerful small actions can be when we do them together. Note: We’ve added a smiley face sticker over anyone who didn’t give photo consent. Thanks for helping us keep our space respectful and inclusive. March 22: Gifts of Hope We kicked things off with Best Buddies UBC by packing and donating 265 care packages to support youth and families at Directions Youth Services, Aboriginal Mother Centre Society, and Youth Rising Foundation. March 25: Food Rescue Over 20 volunteers joined Food Stash Foundation to sort rescued food and help fight both food waste and food insecurity. March 29: Meal Prep At A Loving Spoonful, we packed an incredible 880 frozen meals for people living with HIV and other health challenges. March 30: Invasive Plant Removal Nature got some love, too. Nearly 30 volunteers helped remove invasive plants at Everett Crowley Park in partnership with the Everett Crowley Park Committee, helping restore and protect this cherished green space. April 5: Advocacy Workshop We hosted our Advocacy 101 Workshop in partnership with Women Transforming Cities, giving participants tools to turn their passion into real community change. April 12: River & Park Cleanup Volunteers gathered in Port Coquitlam for a Gates Park & River Cleanup, teaming up with Web of Life to care for the local environment. April 17: Random Acts of Kindness Challenge The Random Acts of Kindness Challenge at University Canada West encouraged everyone to spread positivity in simple ways — from writing thank-you notes to buying a coffee for a stranger. April 25: Cat Shelter Maintenance We spent the day at RAPS Cat Sanctuary, helping with shelter maintenance and, of course, sharing lots of cat cuddles. April 27: Puppy Meet & Greet The Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB) Open House and Puppy Meet & Greet gave volunteers a chance to learn about raising guide dogs and supporting people with sight loss. May 3: Grand Volunteer Celebration We wrapped it all up with our Grand Volunteer Celebration, welcoming over 350 attendees to celebrate the amazing impact we created together. It was a day full of joy, stories, and well-deserved appreciation. Stay tuned for photos and a full blog post for this event! Thank you to everyone who joined us, gave their time, and brought so much heart to this year’s Community Care Adventure. We’re so grateful to have shared this journey with you. See you at one of our upcoming events, or at next year's Community Care Adventure! Want to make a difference in your community? Join our Volunteer Ambassadors Program — a flexible and inclusive way to start volunteering in Vancouver year-round. Whether you're interested in food banks, environmental cleanups, or one-time events, we offer community volunteer opportunities that fit your schedule. Our goal is to make volunteering accessible for everyone — including youth, newcomers, and busy students. Check out our upcoming volunteer events and discover how you can get involved.

On April 5th and 6th, the Vancouver Comic and Toy Show took place at the PNE Forum. One of our amazing Community Coordinators, Gareth, led a small but mighty team of volunteers to support the Greater Vancouver Food Bank at the Show on April 6th! Throughout the weekend, Captain Scott Legacy Society’s Volunteer Ambassadors and Greater Vancouver Food Bank’s volunteers participated in vital fundraising efforts to help the Food Bank continue providing healthy food to individuals and families in need. On Sunday, we were proud to send a team of one Community Coordinator and three Volunteer Ambassadors to take on the exciting role of 50/50 raffle ticket sellers. Our Ambassadors made their way around the venue, inviting vendors to purchase raffle tickets at different price points. All funds raised were split equally between the Greater Vancouver Food Bank and one lucky vendor. Thanks to the hard work and enthusiasm of all the volunteers, we raised over $3,300 on Sunday alone — contributing to a weekend total of $4,327.35! Led by volunteers, it was an incredible achievement in support of an incredibly important cause. Beyond fundraising, our Volunteer Ambassadors made valuable connections, raised awareness about food security issues, and had a fantastic time exploring the event. They even scored some great finds from the vendors and posed for fun photos at the Greater Vancouver Food Bank’s Star Wars-themed photo booth! Scroll down to check out some highlights from the event — and if you’re feeling inspired, join us for an upcoming Volunteer Ambassadors event. Giving back has never been so much fun!

On March 15, 2025, our Volunteer Ambassadors were back at the Greater Vancouver Food Bank, rolling up their sleeves to help sort and pack food for local families. It was another meaningful afternoon of teamwork, connection, and giving back. Each volunteer played a part in making sure nutritious food reaches those who need it most. These small behind-the-scenes efforts may not always be visible, but they’re incredibly important—and we’re so proud of everyone who came out to support this cause. Thank you to the Greater Vancouver Food Bank for having us again. We're already looking forward to next time! Want to make a difference in your community? Join our Volunteer Ambassadors Program — a flexible and inclusive way to start volunteering in Vancouver. Whether you're interested in food banks, environmental cleanups, or one-time events, we offer community volunteer opportunities that fit your schedule. Our goal is to make volunteering accessible for everyone — including youth, newcomers, and busy students. Check out our upcoming volunteer events and discover how you can get involved.